Chapter 6: Naturalistic Observation

Archival Research

Method that uses previously compiled information to answer research questions.

Naturalistic Observation Techniques

Method where researchers make observations of individuals in a natural setting using a variety of techniques (can be quantitative and qualitative). Observing Interviewing Surveying documents

Content Analysis

is the systematic analysis of existing documents. Similar to systematic observation; requires coding system.

Ethical consideration for observers

must decide to what degree they will conceal their presence or purpose.

Case studies

Observational method that provides a detailed description of an individual

Observing in Naturalistic Observation

Observe in a natural setting. Watch or listen. Take notes: organize/summarize. Report observations. Cons: time consuming and potentially difficult.

Reactivity

Possibility that being observed will change participants' behaviors

Three types of archival research data

Statistical records; Survey archives (general social survey); written and mass communication records

Participant Observation

naturalistic observation: occurs when a researcher takes an insider, insider role in what he or she is studying. Can yield data not available to nonparticipant observers; may bias the researcher. Bias potential: researcher may develop +/- feelings toward subjects & record data accordingly. Often a problem in evaluation research (researcher may skew data about program effectiveness).

Surveying Documents

not looking for specific things as you would in archival research. Instead, look at newspaper, newsletter, memo... and identify recurring themes, patterns or trends.

naturalistic observation

observing and recording behavior in naturally occurring situations without trying to manipulate and control the situation. Not trying to test hypotheses.We are DESCRIBING a behavior, ANALYZING AND then DEVELOPING a hypothesis. Build structure to describing observations (coding). Also called field work. Can help understand complex situations/behaviors

Reliability

the extent to which a test yields consistent results, as assessed by the consistency of scores on two halves of the test, on alternate forms of the test, or on retesting

Methodological issues

equipment, reactivity, reliability, sampling. Have backup equip.

Goals in Naturalistic Observation

-Describe setting, events, and persons -Analyze the categories that emerge -Researcher must interpret what occurred -Generate hypotheses that help explain the data -Write a final report of results

Naturalistic Observation Techniques

Describe setting, events and persons. Analyze the categories that emerge. Interpret what occurred. Generate hypotheses that help explain the data. Write a final report of results. Is difficult and time consuming, most useful when seeking to better understand complex issues

qualitative data

Focuses on behavior in NATURAL SETTINGS; Collects data about SMALL groups and/or in limited settings (identify themes in responses); expresses data in NON-numerical form (language, images); Bases conclusions on INTERPRETATIONS by investigators.

Interview

A face-to-face or telephone questioning of a respondent to obtain desired information.

Informant

a person who supplies information (*inside* info); use audio/video equipment; transcribe, organize, describe, interpret.

Psychobiography

a type of case study in which a researcher applies psychological theory to explain the life of an individual, usually an important historical figure

Coding (in naturalistic observation)

Build structure to describe observations/find the patterns

Quantitiative approach

Focuses on SPECIFIC behaviors that can be easily quantified. Uses large samples (usually SURVEYs); Assigns NUMERICAL Values to responses (measurement); Bases conclusions upon statistical analyses of data.

I.R.B.

Institutional Review Board, review research in advance to ensure ethical considerations are met (includes surveys, research designs)

Surveying Documents: Naturalistic Observation

Survey documents (newspaper, social media, photographs & other media)

systematic observation

careful observation of one or more specific behaviors in a particular setting. CAREFUL observation: (counting frequency of behavior or attitude, or provide a rating)

Archival research

a descriptive research approach that studies existing data to find SPECIFIC answers to research questions. difficult to get records. A way to consider hypothesis after the fact.

Researcher in Naturalistic Observation

often is a participant (observation)

Sampling

process by which participants are selected